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Dr.
Rivadeneyra’s Psych 290
Media Lab
Research Interests
My approach to research is very interdisciplinary in nature
and has allowed me to study the complexity of adolescence. My main
research interests lie within the area of adolescent socialization, however,
these interests span across other areas of psychology and into other disciplines
as well. I am interested in the role
of media on adolescents’ attitudes and expectations, with particular focus on
gender, sex, and ethnic identity. Given that adolescents
spend more time engaged in some kind of media than in school, their influence on
this age group is important. The media represent the values held in our society
and youth pick up on these values when engaging in varying media forms. I am
particularly interested in the role of television in the socialization of Latino
youth.
Current Research
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Latina youth's Perceptions of Sexual
Content on English and Spanish-Language TV
 | Research indicates that media are a strong source of sexual (mis)information
for adolescents. Yet the messages that adolescents receive from
television are limited, stereotypical and wrought with misinformation.
Sex is casual and consequences are few (Ward, 1995). Research indicates
that these images have an impact on youth. Latino youth are a
particularly interesting group to study as they may be at greater risk
to be influenced by television’s limited message about sexuality.
In order for the sexual messages to have an impact, the audience members
must first perceive these messages. Thus, the goal of the present study
is to examine Latinas’ perceptions of the sexual portrayals on
television. |
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Media and the Sexual Attitudes and
Behaviors of Latino Youth
| Research indicates that the media are a strong source of sexual (mis)information
for adolescents. Yet the messages that adolescents receive from
television are limited, stereotypical and wrought with misinformation.
Sex is casual and consequences are few (Ward, 1995). Research indicates
that these images have an impact on youth. Those who watch more
television, in particular more “sexy” programming such as soap operas,
have higher expectations of peer sexual activity and having a more
"recreational" view of sex (Ward & Rivadeneyra, 1999). In addition, there
is some evidence that viewing these images has an impact on adolescent
sexual behavior (Collins, 2004). Little is known about the relationship
between media exposure and the sexual attitudes and behavior of Latino
youth. This study explores the connection between media use and the
sexual attitudes, expectations, and behaviors of Latino youth. |
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How You Can Help
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Data collection
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Data entry
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Transcribing and coding tapes: This would require training in video transcribing and coding
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All members of Media Lab will meet on a regular basis with Dr.
Rivadeneyra to gain insight on lab functioning and area of research |
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If you'd like to contact Dr. Rivadeneyra to get involved, e-mail her at
rrivade@ilstu.edu.
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